In a surprising event, the Osaka Water Bureau recently received a donation of 21 kilograms of gold. The unknown benefactor dropped off the precious metal with no explanation, leaving officials baffled but grateful. The value of the donated gold is estimated to be around ¥1 billion ($9.2 million). The city plans to use the funds to support the municipality's water infrastructure. The identity of the benefactor and the reason for their generous donation remain a mystery.
In Japan, such an act of large-scale anonymous generosity drives a lot of public interest and speculation, since the cultural value emphasizes modesty and indirectness. It also points towards the high respect for public services like the Water Bureau, revealing how Japanese society values their infrastructure systems.
In comparison with the US or EU, where benefactors often publicize their donations for tax benefits or public recognition, Japanese culture often observes donations done anonymously in order to maintain the purity of the act. Such large anonymous donations in public sectors are comparatively rare in the West.